Hollywood stars in HK for ‘Transformers’ premiere

HONG KONG (AP) — The stars of “Transformers: Age of Extinction,” including Mark Wahlberg and good-guy robot Optimus Prime, are attending the film’s worldwide premiere in Hong Kong, which plays a key role in the blockbuster franchise’s latest installment.

Wahlberg and other cast members including Stanley Tucci and Nicola Peltz were set to attend a red carpet event and screening Thursday evening.

A giant statue of Autobot leader Optimus Prime overlooked the venue next to a waterfront promenade on famed Victoria Harbor.

The film’s debut in the southern Chinese metropolis ahead of its launch in New York next week is the latest sign of Hollywood’s increasing focus on China’s booming film market.

Hong Kong’s skyscraper-studded skyline is the backdrop for the film’s climactic battle sequence.